1 Thistle Street

Cockburn Response

The Cockburn Association objects to this application on the grounds of excessive height, poor design integration, and lack of sensitivity to the historic context of the New Town Conservation Area and World Heritage Site.

While we welcome the general ambition to upgrade and consolidate this office site, the current proposals raise serious concerns. In particular, the height and bulk of the proposed new upper levels appear overly dominant within this tight historic streetscape. Rather than enhancing the urban form, the upper storeys risk overwhelming the existing building and disrupting the established rhythm and scale of Thistle Street. We recommend that these upper elements be more carefully stepped back or reconfigured to reduce their visual impact and improve integration with the street.

The design language and materials of the proposed extensions also warrant further scrutiny. The elevations currently lack the architectural refinement and contextual referencing expected in a highly sensitive location. This is particularly concerning in relation to the adjacent listed buildings and the cumulative effect of incremental alterations on the character of the street.

We acknowledge improvements such as the removal of car parking and introduction of cycle facilities, but these benefits do not outweigh the need for a more considered architectural response. A revised scheme that moderates the upper levels and demonstrates a clearer relationship to the surrounding built heritage would be more appropriate.